When it comes to modern action movies, only few movies have
impacted the action genre as profoundly as the 2011 Indonesian action-thriller
titled ‘The Raid’ (original title – “Serbuan Maut” in Indonesian). It
stands as a landmark in the action genre but not just for it’s exhilarating
fight scenes. It stands as a landmark also for it’s cultural significance by
showcasing Indonesian cinema power on a global stage. It’s plot may seem
deceptively simple at first glance but beneath the surface, The Raid is like a
tour-de-force of choreography, cinematography and storytelling. It redefined
the rules of the action genre (especially within martial arts movies) by
bringing traditional Indonesian martial art ‘Pencak Silat’ to the
forefront of international cinema.
In many ways, The Raid is a benchmark in the evolution of
action cinema which combined a raw visceral style of moviemaking with some of
the most intricate and realistic fight choreography ever captured on film. It
is simply not just a movie but a touching experience that leaves an indelible
mark on anyone who watches it. Released in the year 2011, this Indonesian
action thriller was directed by Gareth Evans and it took the world by storm
with it’s groundbreaking martial arts choreography, gritty immersive atmosphere
and relentless pacing.
The movie combines a straightforward plot with remarkable
action choreography which helped in leading it to both critical acclaim and a
strong fanbase. It is often credited with inspiring moviemakers worldwide and
revitalizing interest in martial arts movies. In this expanded blog post, I’ll try
to go deeper into every aspect of the movie…from it’s conception to it’s ever-lasting
influence on the action genre and explain why ‘The Raid’ remains one of
the most significant action movies of the 21st century.
The movie's creation
Year of release : 2011 – The movie premiered at the ‘Toronto
International Movie Festival’* and quickly gained traction for it’s intense
action and innovative storytelling.
Direction by Gareth Evans – Gareth Evans is a Welsh
moviemaker who has a deep love and respect for Indonesian culture and martial
arts. He first made his mark with a documentary on Indonesian martial arts that
led to his collaboration with local actors and the creation of The Raid. He
always had a vision to blend Indonesian martial arts with his cinematic style
and resulting in a unique product that appeals to both local and international
audiences. His passion for martial arts and desire to tell authentic stories
about Indonesia, shaped the movie's production.
Movie budget – The movie was produced on a relatively modest
budget of estimate at around 1 million USD. Despite this, it achieved
remarkable box office success by grossing over 9 million USD worldwide. It
proved that a well-crafted action movie could succeed financially without a
massive budget.
Location – The movie was shot in Jakarta, Indonesia. Jakarta
is the capital of Indonesia. The aesthetics of Jakarta city helped in adding
authenticity to it’s setting.
Cast and characters
Iko Uwais as ‘Rama’ – Rama is the protagonist who is
a rookie police officer that is thrust into a life-or-death situation. He is
assigned to lead a raid on a crime kingpin's stronghold. As the member of
police’s SWAT team, Rama is portrayed as a skilled fighter with a strong moral
compass. Iko Uwais, who is trained in the Pencak Silat martial art, brings
authenticity to the character and hence makes Rama heroic and relatable.
Yayan Ruhian as ‘Mad Dog’ – Mad Dog is the movie’s
antagonist. Mad Dog would be known for his brutal fighting style and
fearlessness. Mad Dog is a ruthless enforcer of his boss. His loyalty to his
boss is non-negotiable for him and so his character became iconic in action
cinema. Ruhian's portrayal of this character for his ferocity and skill became
iconic in action cinema.
Donny Alamsyah as ‘Andi’ – He is a member of Rama’s
police team with a deeper connection to the criminal underworld and hence
adding complexity and twists to the story. He is like a double agent but is
selfish about his personal gains in all this. His interactions with both Rama
and the crime syndicate create moral dilemmas and tension.
Supporting cast – The supporting cast includes various
actors who contribute to the movie's intense atmosphere and character dynamics.
A diverse ensemble of actors each helped in contributing to the movie's
high-stakes atmosphere. Their performances enhance the movie's emotional weight
and intensity.
Conception and Production – From indie roots to global accolade
The origins of ‘The Raid’ trace back to Gareth Evans’
earlier work in Indonesia. To understand the greatness of The Raid, we need to
examine the unlikely circumstances that led to the movie’s creation. Mr. Gareth
Evans is a Welsh moviemaker who moved to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, after his
wife introduced him to ‘Pencak Silat’. His wife is an Indonesian native.
The Welsh director began working on a documentary about Pencak Silat which is
Indonesia's indigenous martial art. Through this project, he met Iko Uwais who
was a skilled practitioner of Silat and was working as a deliveryman at the
time.
Evans was so impressed by the martial art's fluidity and
intensity that he felt compelled to build a movie themed on it. His journey to
creating The Raid thus began with his first Indonesian movie titled ‘Merantau’
in the year 2009. Merantau also starred Iko Uwais and focused heavily on Silat.
Recognizing Uwais’ charisma and talent from meeting earlier, Evans cast him as
the lead in it. While Merantau was a smaller-scale martial arts movie and earned
a modest success, it laid the groundwork for The Raid’s hyper-focused visceral
approach to action.
However, the idea for The Raid was born out of necessity. Originally,
The Raid was supposed to be a much larger-scale project titled ‘Berandal’
(which eventually became the sequel ‘The Raid 2’). However, budget
constraints forced Evans to rethink his approach. He scaled down the story to
something more intense and intimate like “an elite squad versus an entire
building of criminals”. The Raid became a more contained story set almost
entirely within a single location of a decrepit 30-story apartment building
controlled by a kingpin.
The minimalist approach to setting and the narrative forced
Evans and his team to innovate in terms of action choreography, cinematography,
and pacing. The result was a high-intensity and ultra-focused movie that
maximized tension by confining most of the action to tight claustrophobic
spaces. This focus on one location would not only prove to be a masterstroke in
terms of cost but also in enhancing the high-stakes atmosphere that the movie
became famous for. The decision to concentrate the story within one location
was a brilliant idea which amplified the movie's sense of danger, isolation and
rising tension.
The conundrum of “brotherhood”, corruption and survival – Plot | The story
While The Raid has been described by some as having a simple
plot, it’s a perfect example of how “simplicity” when executed with precision
and creativity, can become one of a movie’s greatest strengths. The narrative
focuses on a rookie cop named Rama (played by Iko Uwais), who is part of a
special unit tasked with raiding an apartment building controlled by a
dangerous criminal named Tama Riyadi. The movie opens with a tense atmosphere
as the team prepares for the mission. At first glance, the story of The Raid
seems a straightforward story of a 20-man SWAT team infiltrating a notorious
building run by Tama Riyadi. He is a powerful narcotics operator and the
mission is to capture him DOA. The premise of a SWAT team tasked with taking
down a crime boss is injected with several layers of intrigue and emotional
touch. The SWAT mission rapidly spirals out of control when they are
proactively ambushed and cut off from outside support. As the SWAT team is
picked off one by one, the remaining officers are forced to fight their way
through dozens of sadistic criminals.
Though the plot doesn’t feature complex subplots or
convoluted twists, it contains several elements that add other vital hooks. It
is layered with character development, subtext and tension which makes the
movie very remarkable. For instance, take the character of Rama played by Iko
Uwais. He is not just an elite cop but also a man with a family. His pregnant
wife is waiting for him at home. This emotional backstory heightens the stakes
of his survival. So, Rama is more than just a highly skilled fighter but a man
with deep personal motivations. He’s not just a one-dimensional action hero. His
desire to survive this deadly mission is driven by a yearning to return to his
family. He is a man caught in an impossible situation and trying to protect his
future. This adds an emotional core to the character and makes him relatable to
audiences on a human level.
Furthermore, as the movie progresses, we discover deeper
motivations behind certain characters particularly in the relationship between
Rama and his estranged brother Andi (played by Donny Alamsyah). His estranged
brother turns out to be one of Tama’s trusted lieutenants and is working as the
second-in-command to the very target that the SWAT team is trying to take down.
As the two brothers face off, we see how the lines between good and evil blur,
especially when personal loyalties and family ties are at stake. This familial
conflict becomes a crucial emotional undercurrent in a movie otherwise
dominated by adrenaline-fuelled violence. It is adding depth to the action and
giving Rama an internal struggle beyond mere survival.
Additionally, the movie hints at larger themes of corruption,
loyalty and sacrifices which are explored further in its sequel ‘The Raid 2’.
These moments of humanity allow the audience to connect with the characters on
a deeper level, despite the brutal and often unforgiving world they inhabit.
The apartment building – A character in itself | The location
The towering apartment complex is as much a character in the
movie as any of the antagonists or the protagonists. It’s a central character
in the movie. The 30-storey apartment building really looks intimidating right from
the beginning itself. It looks like a deathtrap for anyone trying to break in. It
is a suffocating labyrinthine fortress that shapes every decision that the
characters make. Evans uses the building to craft a claustrophobic oppressive
environment that feels like a welcome place to perish. Cramped stairwells,
dimly lit rooms and narrow balconies force the characters into brutal
close-quarters combat. From the darkened hallways to the decaying and grimy walls,
the building is a fortress for all sorts of criminals residing inside. As the
SWAT team ascends, they encounter more and more dangerous foes or situations. Each
floor becomes a new battleground. The building’s verticality plays a vital role
in the action with fights spilling into elevators, stairwells and even outside
the windows. The movie’s lack of wide-open spaces means that every encounter is
intimate. Every mistake could mean instant death. This intensifies the danger
since there’s no room for error.
The progression creates a metaphorical sense of climbing
towards salvation while also making the movie a thrilling game of survival.
Evans also engages the building to establish the brutal social structure of the
underworld. Tama uses the building as his personal kingdom by filling it with
boobytraps, loyal thugs and mercenaries who control the structure floor by
floor. The building residents are either criminals themselves or through fear
and loyalty, complicit in his reign of terror. Tama’s operation controls every
inch of the apartment block from the top to the outside. As the SWAT team works
their way up, Tama sits comfortably in his surveillance room at the topmost
floor and keeps issuing orders like a puppet master. This hierarchy within the
building mirrors the power dynamics at play within the criminal world that Tama
dominates.
Since the building is controlled by Tama, he has turned it
into a safe haven for criminals. It feels alive with danger, as if every corner
is ambushed or has some trap. One specifically memorable sequence is a hallway
brawl where Rama is armed with only a knife and a nightstick. He has no choice
but to take on multiple attackers because that particular place happened to be
a dead end. The narrowness of the hallway traps him and forces him to move
forward. By fighting with precision, Rama uses the doors, walls and even the
ceiling to his advantage. These tight environments make the action feel
incredibly personal as the viewer is pulled into the scene alongside Rama and
they get to feel every bone-crushing hit, kick and punch. Gareth Evans'
decision to limit the action to this single location was a stroke of genius. The
relentless upward journey from the ground floor to the top, mirrors a structure
of video game’s levels where each new victory presents the next higher level of
difficulty.
The glory of The Raid – A rep of the Indonesian culture
Pencak Silat – The movie prominently features ‘Pencak
Silat’ which is a traditional Indonesian martial art. Phonetically, it’s
pronounced as ‘pen-chaak see-laat’…just in case you are curious how it’s
said. Silat is a contact combat martial art that focuses on grappling, joint
locks, strikes, throwing around and the use of weapons. They all have to be
executed with remarkable fluidity and speed. It involves in attacking
the whole body. It also engages mind games and psychological gimmicks to
surprise the opponent. There are then further hundreds of styles of Pencak
Silat. It is said that the secret techniques of the art are revealed only after
a long deliberation by a guru. The real lethal parts are not easily shared with
practitioners of Pencak Silat. It had been used in colonial times and wars by
Indonesian. There are several Pencak Silat exclusive tools to be used as arms
and weapons in fighting. Today, it is taught in schools as an extra-curriculum.
There are also combat events for Pencak Silat in the local, national and
international levels. The action choreography by engaging this martial art is
executed with grappling techniques and precision-emphasized fluid movements and
strikes. At times, some moves looks akin to Muay Thai but it’s not Muay Thai. The
movie's spotlight on Pencak Silat has contributed to its recognition as a
legitimate martial art form worldwide. It’s success has prompted interest in
Indonesian culture which has led to a greater appreciation for it’s practices
and traditions.
Main fight scene – The most iconic sequence in The Raid is
the confrontation between Rama and Mad Dog. It’s simply brilliant work! It goes
on to showcasing not only the physical prowess but also the emotional stakes. Each
character embodies different aspects of the fight against crime. The end goal
of it is that only one of the both must survive. It is very necessary to put
Mad Dog away because he is the physically strongest of all the henchmen and he
will not allow anyone to reach his boss even if it cost him his own life. He is
a ruthless and thoughtless soldier for Tama who will viciously protect all
assets and network of the syndicate. Rama finally wins but it’s a great show to
watch how the victory is earned. The fight sequence is lengthy because Mad Dog
refuses to go down easily. Even while his lights are going out permanently, he
wants to go out only after causing the maximum damage that he possibly can. The
eagerness to fight on despite receiving mortal wounds makes it an incredible
watching experience.
Urban Indonesia – The movie presents a gritty portrayal of the
urban life in Jakarta. The Raid showcases both it’s luxury and vanities. The
movie's setting is in a high-rise building in Jakarta which reflects the complexities
of urban life in Indonesia. It portrays both the beauty and challenges of the
city and hence made it relatable to local audiences while equally intriguing
international viewers.
The action in The Raid is where the movie distinguishes
itself from other martial arts or action movies and truly shines. While many
action movies rely on explosions and guns, The Raid stands out for it’s focus
on hand-to-hand combat. Evans chose to feature Pencak Silat because it had
rarely been seen by international audiences and how well it fitted with the movie's
brutal tone. The close-quarters combat in The Raid is perfectly suited to Silat’s
rapid aggressive movements. What sets The Raid apart from many other action movies
is its use of practical fight choreography and long takes. In contrast to the
quick cuts and shaky camera work that have become a staple in Western action
cinema, Evans’ camera lingers on the action and follows the fighters through
sequences in real-time. This choice amplifies the intensity of the combat which
allows the audience to appreciate the skill and precision of the martial arts
being performed. Every bone-crushing hit, every move and every throw is
captured in excruciating detail. The fight scenes themselves tell a story.
Iko Uwais along with Yayan Ruhian (who plays the sadistic
Mad Dog) were responsible for choreographing the movie’s entire fight scenes
and the result is nothing short of revolutionary. There’s an economy of
movement in Silat. The fighters move with purpose, wasting no energy or motion
and every strike feels as if it’s meant to incapacitate the opponent
immediately. Unlike many Hollywood action movies where combat is often polished
and stylized, the violence in The Raid feels chaotic and messy and feels just
like real-life a combat. Bones break with sickening cracks, knives plunge into
flesh and the punches and kicks land with visceral impact. The movie doesn’t
shy away from the physical toll of violence. By doing so, it creates a sense of
realism that’s often absent from more mainstream action movies.
In one of the most iconic fights of the movie, Rama faces
off against Mad Dog in a brutal extended fight sequence. The fight is exhausting,
long and showcases the physical limits of the human body. What makes this scene
so intense isn’t just the choreography but the way it’s shot. Evans opts for
long takes that allow the audience to fully appreciate the complexity and skill
involved in the combat. There are no cheap cuts or quick edits to hide
imperfections. Every counter, punch and throw is clearly visible and pulls the
audience deeper into the action. The camera work enhances the intensity by
sticking close to the action by often following the movements of the fighters
as they weave in and out of kicks and punches. The movie’s frequent use of
handheld camera shots adds a documentary-like realism as if the viewer is
witnessing the action unfold firsthand. Unlike many action movies that rely on
flashy special effects or heavily edited fight scenes, The Raid emphasizes real
martial arts skills. There’s a palpable sense of exhaustion and pain,
especially as Rama and the remaining members of the SWAT team struggle to
survive. Their bodies become battered, bloodied and bruised which makes it
clear that no one emerges unscathed. The violence is brutal and raw but it
never feels gratuitous. Every fight has a purpose and the stakes are always “life
or death”.
The embodiment of violence and the quintessential villain – Mad Dog
One of the movie’s most unforgettable characters is Mad Dog
(played by Yayan Ruhian). He is Tama’s chief enforcer whose philosophy on
violence elevates him to the level of a cinematic icon. Mad Dog is a character
who prefers the intimate and visceral nature of hand-to-hand combat. He has
come up considering that guns are “too quick” and devoid of real satisfaction.
He relishes upon the physicality of a fight. His encounters with the SWAT team
feel less like battles and more like bloodsport. In one of the movie’s most
memorable scenes, he allows an armed opponent to put down their gun so that
they can fight him unarmed and purely for the thrill of it. Mad Dog isn’t just
a physical threat but he is a psychological threat as well who is able to
manipulate others into letting their guards down. His primal love for violence
and his presence in the movie elevate the stakes of every encounter.
The final fight between Rama along with his brother Andi
versus Mad Dog is a climactic emotional release and a stunning display of
martial arts. Here, the movie juxtaposes brotherly loyalty with pure
unrestrained brutality. It’s a battle of wills between two brothers caught on
opposite sides of the law, with Mad Dog serving as the deadly catalyst. This
scene is the perfect distillation of the movie’s core themes of loyalty,
survival and violence. By the time the dust settles, the characters are totally
bloodied, broken and bruised. Mad Dog ceases to exist anymore after a lengthy
fight for survival but he does inflict maximum damage on the duo. Through all
the life-threatening violence, their motivations remain clear and human.
Masterclass in pacing, tension and visual storytelling – Gareth Evans’ cinematography
Gareth Evans deserves an immense credit for his direction of
the movie The Raid. While the movie is most famous for its fight scenes, Evans’
skill in building tension and pacing the narrative is what truly sets The Raid
apart from other action movies. The movie opens with a slow burn of
establishing the characters, the high stakes of the mission and their
motivations. The cinematography also plays a critical role in the progress of
the movie.
Camera techniques – The camera movement is almost like a
participant in the action. The movie employs dynamic camera work which includes
handheld shots that enhance the intensity of the action sequences. The handheld
camera style adds a sense of urgency that makes the audience feel as if they
are one of the raiding team. Other innovative camera work are the long takes
and unique angles. Close-ups and wide shots are used strategically to capture
both the brutality of the fights and the claustrophobic environment of the
building. The camera dodges punches, follows characters as they crash through
doors or windows and weaves through tight hallways. This gives a viewer the
sense of immediacy as if they are right there in the thick of the action and
fighting for survival alongside the characters. The movie wants to infuse it’s audience
into the action.
Colour and lighting – The movie uses a gritty colour palette
with shadows and stark lighting to create a tense atmosphere. Such kind of
lighting helps in reflecting the dark themes of the narrative. Shadows play a
significant role in setting the mood. The dim environment wherever they turn
keeps enhancing the sense of danger. Evans’ decided to use long takes and
minimal camera cuts during the fight scenes to enhance the viewer’s immersion
in the action.
Movie Direction – Evans’ direction is meticulously
crafted to heighten tension and maintain that “sense of urgency” seen in actual
police or SWAT raids. Every frame serves some real-life like purpose. Whether
it's the long sweeping takes during the action sequences or the close-up shots
that capture the characters’ desperation, fear and pain. The decision to use a
mostly grey and muted colour palette reflects the grim reality of an actual
SWAT team’s situation. The world inside the building is dark, dirty and
unforgiving. It reflects no life in the world that Tama controls. Instead of
using rapid editing to mask the actors' lack of martial arts skill (a common
tactic in Hollywood), Evans confidently lets the camera linger and trusts the
performers to carry the scene. This approach highlights the raw physicality of
the action and amplifies the tension.
The cinematography led by Matt Flannery is another standout
element. The camera often moves as if it’s part of the action by ducking under
punches, following characters in a way that feels almost documentary-like
filming and swinging around corners. This gives the movie an aesthetic that
suits the rawness of the violence.
Amplifying the chaos – The music and sound design
The sound design played a crucial role in immersing the
audience. The sound of bodies slamming into walls, every punch landing with a
deep thud, gunshots reverberating through the narrow hallways and the sounds of
bones breaking, knives slashing through the air, knives slicing the flesh are
disturbingly vivid. These sounds are all amplified in a way that makes the
violence feel all the more real. The score was composed by Joseph Trapanese and
Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park which perfectly complements the movie's intensity.
It blends electronic beats with traditional Indonesian instruments to create a
haunting atmosphere that multiplies the sense of dread. The music is carefully
woven into the fabric of the movie by adding an emotional undertone to key
moments.
Sound effects – The movie's sound design is very integral to
the viewing experience. The visceral sounds of environmental noise, gunfire,
kicks and punches dip the audience into the chaotic world of the raid.
Musical score – It was composed by Mike Shinoda and
Trapanese. They combine traditional Indonesian instruments with modern
elements. The musical score complements the movie's pacing which is heightening
emotional moments and underscoring the tension during the action sequences. The
music crescendos during fight scenes amplify the stakes.
Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park and composer Joseph Trapanese
were brought on to create the score for The Raid’s international release and
their contribution is nothing short of spectacular. The electronic percussive
beats of the soundtrack perfectly match each frame of the movie’s pacing.
During intense action scenes, the music amps up the adrenaline with driving
rhythms and escalating tension. Yet in the quieter and more reflective moments,
the music pulls back to create a haunting but almost melancholic atmosphere
that reminds the viewer of the human cost of violence. The electronic-heavy
soundtrack underscores the action by enhancing the feeling of a ticking clock
where time is running out for the characters.
In the Indonesian version, the original score by Aria
Prayogi and Fajar Yuskemal carries a more traditional feel. They put an
emphasis on gamelan-inspired sounds and tones. However, both versions
complement the action beautifully underscoring the movie's unique cultural and
emotional resonance.
This isn’t a Hollywood-style over-the-top sound design. It’s
grounded and intentionally designed to make you feel every hit as if you were
right there in the middle of the chaos.
Behind the scenes of The Raid
Challenges – The production faced various challenges. They
struggled in coordinating complex fight scenes and ensuring safety of actors
during stunts on set. The dedication of the cast and crew is evident in the movie's
execution. Iko Uwais, who performed many of his stunts, underwent rigorous
training to prepare for his role. This goes on to showcasing the dedication
necessary to bring the fight choreography to life.
Inputs from the cast – Cast members have expressed the
unique experience during their filming. Actors have shared experiences about
training in Pencak Silat. They mention about the camaraderie developed during
training and shooting in their interviews and opinions. They kept emphasizing
the mental and physical preparation required for their roles. Many actors
trained together in Pencak Silat which helped in fostering a sense of unity
that translated into their performances.
More than just “action” – The key elements
While The Raid is often celebrated for its relentless
action, it also carries certain themes that resonate beyond the fight
sequences. One of the most prominent themes is survival. It hints not just
physical survival but survival in the face of ethical and moral dilemmas. As
Rama and the remaining SWAT members push forward, they are forced to make
increasingly difficult decisions that challenge their sense of duty and honour.
The key elements or themes from the movie are briefly listed below.
Survival – The movie explores themes of survival under
extreme pressure by showcasing the grim realities faced by law enforcement
everyday. The movie’s relentless pace emphasizes the struggle for survival amid
pure chaos. Characters are forced to confront their fears and fight for their
lives. They have no choice except to push through what they dove into. They
knew it was coming before they took on this leap and now they must tunnel
through it or lose their lives.
Brotherhood – The dynamics within the police squad highlight
both betrayal and bond particularly through the character named Andi. The
dynamics also highlight how sacrifices have to be made. As the mission unfolds,
the bonds between team members are tested.
Loyalty – Jaka is the SWAT team leader played by Joe Taslim.
Jaka embodies the spirit of leadership and loyalty to his men. His
determination to protect his team as the mission falls apart, creates emotional
stakes that raise the tension beyond simple survival tactics. When faced with
the impossible, Jaka’s resolve remains unshaken that serve as a counterbalance
to the more corrupt and selfish elements in the story.
Moral ambiguity – The movie raises questions about morality
and justice in a corrupt system. The movie explores the blurred lines between
good and evil particularly through Rama’s character who grapples with his
brother’s past and present choices. His brother left the family to pursue a
life of crime and is involved with Tama’s syndicate. He is on the raid’s
hitlist too but Rama struggles to make an arrest in the end. The morality among
brothers can be seen in the movie.
Ratings and reviews
The Raid became an unexpected phenomenon very quickly upon
its release. Not only did it catapult Indonesian cinema onto the world stage
but it also fundamentally redefined what audiences expect from the action movies.
The movie received widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike. It
holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. People were praising it’s
innovative action and engaging storytelling. Critics praised it’s relentless
pacing. Critics highlighted the movie's authenticity and raw energy in it’s
martial arts sequences which was setting a benchmark for future action movies.
The movie was described as a "masterclass in action moviemaking"
with particular emphasis on it’s ability to blend choreography and storytelling
seamlessly. It’s a movie that transcends its genre by delivering a level of
intensity and wickedness that has rarely been matched since.
Awards and nominations
The Raid has received it’s share of movie awards.
1) ‘Best Movie’ at the 2012 Asian Movie Awards.
2) Nominations for ‘Best Action Choreography’ at
various international movie festivals.
These recognitions underscored it’s impact on both the
action genre and Indonesian cinema. Such accolades has been solidifying it’s
status as a pivotal work in the action genre.
Fanfare
Community response – The movie has spawned a dedicated
fanbase that have been leading to community screenings, discussions and fan
art. Fans run discussions on forums and social media about it’s characters,
fight scenes and themes. The Raid fans often create fan art and videos paying
homage to the movie's iconic moments.
Merchandise – Due to it’s popularity, various merchandise
such as apparel, collectibles and video games has been created which further made
it beloved in popular culture. The Raid’s cultural footprint has been
increasing ever since it’s worldwide release.
A high benchmark for action movies that transcends borders – Impact and legacy
Perhaps one of the most impressive feats of The Raid is how
it transcended cultural boundaries and became an international sensation. At
the time of its release, Indonesian cinema was not widely known outside
Southeast Asia. Upon its release, The Raid became a commercial and critical
success instantly, not only in Indonesia but also globally. It was hailed as
one of the best action movies in years with critics praising it’s choreography,
intensity and pacing. The movie won several awards at international movie
festivals and was embraced by action aficionados around the world. But beyond
its immediate success, The Raid left a lasting legacy on the action genre. It
inspired countless moviemakers to rethink how action scenes are filmed,
prioritizing practical choreography over CGI and shaky camera work.
Movies like Atomic Blonde, Daredevil, Extraction and John
Wick and owe a significant debt to the unrelenting visceral style of action
that The Raid had pioneered. They all borrowed heavily from The Raid's use of
long takes and realistic fight choreography. The movie also sparked a renewed
interest in Pencak Silat with more martial arts movies from Southeast Asia
gaining attention on the world stage. The movie's success led to the production
of ‘The Raid 2’ which expanded on the story and delved deeper into the
criminal underworld. It showcased even more elaborate action scenes and a more
complex narrative.
Beyond the franchise, the success of The Raid opened doors
for it’s cast and crew. Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim and Yayan Ruhian went on to
appear in major Hollywood movies like Fast & Furious 6, Mile 22, Mortal
Kombat, Snake Eyes and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Thus, they cemented their
status as international action stars.
The Raid didn’t just wow audiences but it left a lasting
legacy that has influenced action movies and countless moviemakers in the years
since. The movie drew a new wave of action moviemakers to push the boundaries
of what can be achieved in the genre. They started focusing more on innovative
camerawork, martial arts and practical stunts rather than relying on CGI and
quick edits. Directors such as Chad Stahelski (John Wick) and David Leitch
(Atomic Blonde) have cited The Raid as a major influence on their own work.
John Wick in particular borrowed heavily from The Raid’s close-quarters combat
and precision action choreography.
Trivia and unknown facts
Improvised dialogue – Much of the dialogue in The Raid was
improvised to maintain authenticity in character interactions. This approach
helped create a more organic feel by making the characters relatable.
Original title – The movie was initially titled ‘Serbuan
Maut‘ which translates to ‘Death Raid’. The title was changed for
international markets. It aimed to capture the movie's intense nature while
making it more accessible to everyone.
Sequel potential – The movie’s success led to discussions
about sequels but Evans opted to explore different narratives in his later
works. This was emphasizing the movie's standalone impact.
A cinematic experience like no other!
The Raid isn’t just an action movie. It’s a cultural
milestone. It’s a rare example of a movie that combines technical mastery with
emotional depth offering more than just adrenaline-pumping sequences. It’s a
masterclass which proved that a low-budget movie with a simple premise could
still deliver some of the most innovative and intense action sequences ever put
on screen. It also highlighted the incredible talent of Indonesian actors and
martial artists especially Iko Uwais, who has since become a global star. For
action movie enthusiasts, The Raid is more than just a must-watch and is a
benchmark. By grounding it’s action in real martial arts and presenting it with
an unflinching eye, The Raid created a visceral experience that stays with
viewers long after the credits roll.
It is one of the greatest action movies ever made. It pushed
the boundaries of what action cinema could achieve and it will continue to be imitated,
revered and studied for years to come. It’s a movie that reminds us why we love
action movies in the first place which is not just for the spectacle but for
the thrill of seeing determination, human skill and ingenuity pushed to their
limits.
#Indonesia #IkoUwais #TheRaid #martialart #PencakSilat
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2.0 Generic license.
